Depression worse in winter?

[LonelyWonders]

I'm quite the opposite. I find it better in cold weather than in the warm, in fact I hate the summer and spring..

 

[Pacific_Loner]

I wonder if anyone's depression is worse in winter then the rest of the year.

I personally don't like cold weather so going outside when it's cold is really something i can't stand. I'm not an out going person but at least in summer if i'm bored or depressed I could go for a bike ride or something just to ease my mind.

I can't wait for srping ::

You live in Montreal - you have waaaay more sunlight in the summer than in winter. In winter the sun rise at 07:00 or even later and sets at 03:00pm. You need sun for vitamin D and to help your body to create serotonin as someone else mentionned. Serotonin is an hormone or neurotransmitter I think (I don't know anything about that - just google it) that helps you feel happy - yes, really (when you take anti-depression pills, most of the time I think their basic utility is to help your body to create more serotonin?). This is why people who spend all their time inside their home are more likely to feel depressed and energy-low.

If you want my recipe to survive winter, here it is:
luminotherapy (google litebook)
Regular indoor sports and outdoor activities even if it's cold as f***
Eat well or take vitamins (D and other) and supplements
Avoid drugs and alcohol when possible because it makes you feel even more like crap
If you're really desperate, go in vacation somewhere sunny and hot, for more than 2 weeks.

I hope you survived and you can use it next winter because now IT IS spring

 

[NickyNacker]

I think I'm more depressed in summer, the weather is hot and humid and often I am unable to sleep.

i was planning on responding saying yes, my depression is definitely worse in winter. but i also agree with this comment. i hate sleeping during summer. a lot of the times i can't and it makes me very anxious. soooo kinda both lol cause winter is just really cold and depressing.. all the plants are dead and what not. and spring has just started and i already feel better with the plants/flowers blooming and all the green and warmth coming back. winter can feel very claustorphobic... but yes, the sleep thing is horrible in summer. even with a/c

 

[Kiwong]

i was planning on responding saying yes, my depression is definitely worse in winter. but i also agree with this comment. i hate sleeping during summer. a lot of the times i can't and it makes me very anxious. soooo kinda both lol cause winter is just really cold and depressing.. all the plants are dead and what not. and spring has just started and i already feel better with the plants/flowers blooming and all the green and warmth coming back. winter can feel very claustorphobic... but yes, the sleep thing is horrible in summer. even with a/c

I imagine if I live in a very cold place where winters are as cold as you describe, I may suffer winter depression too. However, winters where I live are fairly benign, in fact I can get by wearing shorts all year. I suppose extremes of weather can have an influence on depression.